A Night at the Latvian National Opera: La Traviata

After spending a month in Riga, I was eager to experience the city in a more unconventional way — something that would bring me closer to its cultural soul. That’s when I discovered that the Latvian National Opera was staging La Traviata. As both an Italian and an opera lover, I knew I couldn’t miss the chance to see Verdi’s masterpiece performed live in the city that has become my new home.

The idea of hearing familiar arias echo through the historic halls of Riga’s grand opera house was simply irresistible.

Last night marked my second time seeing La Traviata, and also my second visit to the Latvian National Opera.

My first had been last year, when I attended a performance of Swan Lake. The magic of witnessing ballet in such a refined and atmospheric setting had stayed with me — but this time, I returned with the desire to experience opera.

The Great Hall

The Great Hall was just as breathtaking as I remembered — a true masterpiece of theatrical design, inspired by the Italian style exemplified by Milan’s La Scala. Having first seen La Traviata at La Scala, the familiar elegance of the Riga opera house felt like a warm, nostalgic return — as if I were coming home in more than a sense.

The hall features a sweeping parterre, elegant balconies, and a stage framed by a majestic proscenium arch. The auditorium is richly decorated with intricate plasterwork, gilded flourishes, cherubs, and theatrical masks, while Renaissance-style wall and ceiling panels lend a further sense of grandeur and timelessness to the space.

La Traviata

La Traviata, meaning “The Fallen Woman,” composed by Giuseppe Verdi, is one of my favorite operas.

This powerful work, divided into three acts, tells the poignant love story between the courtesan Violetta Valéry and the young nobleman Alfredo Germont.

Their passionate yet tragic relationship unfolds against the backdrop of societal expectations and personal sacrifice.

Act I:

In mid-19th-century Paris, Violetta Valéry, a renowned courtesan, hosts a lavish party. During the event, she meets Alfredo Germont, who confesses his love for her. Initially skeptical about love, Violetta is moved by Alfredo’s sincerity. She gives him a camellia, asking him to return when it wilts, symbolizing her openness to his affection.

Act II:

Three months later, Violetta and Alfredo are living together in a countryside villa. Alfredo discovers that Violetta has been selling her possessions to support their lifestyle. Distressed, he leaves for Paris to resolve their financial situation. Meanwhile, Giorgio Germont, Alfredo’s father, visits Violetta, urging her to end the relationship to protect his family’s honor. Despite her love for Alfredo, Violetta agrees to part ways with him.

Act III:

Violetta’s health deteriorates due to tuberculosis. She receives a letter from Giorgio Germont, informing her that Alfredo has returned from abroad after a duel with the Baron. Alfredo arrives, and the couple is briefly reunited. However, Violetta succumbs to her illness and dies in Alfredo’s arms.

The night at the Latvian National Opera was nothing short of magical. From the breathtaking beauty of the opera house to the powerful performance of La Traviata, every moment felt like a perfect blend of art, emotion, and history.

The music, the atmosphere, and the raw emotion of the story left me utterly captivated. As the final notes echoed through the hall, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude — not just for the performance, but for the opportunity to experience such a timeless masterpiece in a city I hold so dear to my heart. It was a night I will cherish forever.